What You Need to Know about Bicycle Accidents Involving Bike Lane Intrusions

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on April 18, 2013

Washington State has invested a substantial amount of money into adding bike lanes on busy roadways. These lanes are meant to provide a safe haven for bicyclists where riders won’t have to worry about vehicles crashing into them. Unfortunately, bike lane intrusion accidents do happen, and they often result in serious or fatal injuries. It is important to understand the many causes of bike lane accidents.

Washington bicycle accidents can happen even when a bicyclist is legally riding within a bike lane. These types of accidents typically involve a car colliding with the back of the bicycle or motorists swerving into bikes. Common causes of these types of collisions include:

• Distracted driving: Motorists who are looking at their cell phones are more likely to drift into the bike lane.
• Drunk driving: Drivers who are impaired have a tendency to swerve off the roadway.
• Fatigued driving: Washington motorists who are feeling drowsy may miss a curve in the roadway or begin to drift out of their lanes without realizing they are entering the bike lane.
• Dangerous turns: It is common for drivers to make a turn or to enter traffic without first looking for bicyclists.

All riders would be well advised to increase their visibility by wearing bright and reflective clothing. Unfortunately, even riders who are wearing the correct gear can suffer a serious or fatal accident in the event that a car veers into the bike lane. Head injuries, neck injuries and bone fractures can result in medical costs, lost wages and substantial pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Washington bicycle accident, please contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. We provide free case evaluations at 888-228-3860 on all bicycle accident claims.